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Police: Drunken Driver Caught Texting & Driving On Hwy 12

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- West Hennepin police are saying another Highway 12 tragedy has been averted thanks to an alert driver who spotted a drunken driver – who was also distracted by texting.

According to police, a motorist called 911 at around 4 p.m. Thursday about a car weaving all over the road.

Officers responded, got behind the vehicle and observed it crossing over the centerline into oncoming traffic, which nearly caused a head-on crash, police said. At 4:10 p.m., the driver was arrested for DWI with a blood alcohol content of .12, drinking in the car while driving and admitting to texting while driving.

"The 4 E's of traffic safety are Enforcement, Engineering, Education, and EMS. But the 5th is EVERYONE. We need everyone to help in keeping our roads safe. Thank you to the caller for calling in on 911, staying behind the car, giving the license plate and description, and alerting us to this dangerous situation," police said.

The arrest occurred on the highway about 1 mile west of County Road 90 in Independence.

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